No. No way he's that kind-hearted. Something's off.
Arcane Mages were inherently selfish. Who in their right mind would openly reveal their [Weave Meditation] method for others to study? There was no such thing as pure selflessness in this world.
Even someone like Professor Gust had only demonstrated a brief glimpse of his Weave before stopping, leaving students to figure it out themselves.
But Linen?
He practically shoved his Weave in her face, like he wanted her to study it.
Was he really just showing off? Flaunting his success to humiliate her?
Impossible. Absolutely not.
But then Elena giggled softly beside her after hearing Hysteria's quiet grumbling.
"Shia, you and Linen-kun... you're actually kind of similar."
"Hah? Me? Like him? Are you joking?"
Hysteria shot her an annoyed glare, then flicked a sideways glance at Linen.
"Well, you did scold him earlier. All flustered and stern, worried he'd lose his way by relying on shortcuts."
Elena's voice was gentle as ever.
"I was just—"
Hysteria trailed off, unsure how to finish that sentence.
Elena only smiled, her expression warm and knowing.
So I was right.
Shia and His Highness Linen... they really are both good people.
If I'm their friend, then I have to do my best to make sure all three of us can get along.
With that thought, she said:
"If it really bothers you, Shia, why don't we just ask Linen directly?"
And before Hysteria could stop her, Elena leaned forward and called out:
"Linen-kun, is it really okay for you to keep your Weave visible like that? Doesn't it bother you?"
"Of course not."
Linen waved dismissively. He'd noticed the two whispering earlier and figured Elena had come on Hysteria's behalf.
Was Hysteria reaching her breaking point and had sent Elena to test the waters?
Hysteria, for her part, had lowered her head slightly. She was curious too. What would he say?
"Even if other students copy your method?" Elena asked gently.
Just as I thought.
She's cracking.
Perfect time to press the advantage.
And maybe raise Elena's favorability while I'm at it.
"Of course I don't mind," Linen said, lifting his head proudly. His voice rang clear and righteous.
As he spoke, he looked directly at Hysteria, then smiled faintly.
"I built this to be seen—by the people who should see it."
Then he turned back to Elena, his tone softening.
"If you ever want to ask anything, Elena-kun, just come find me."
"Eh? Me? Then... thank you, Linen-kun!"
Elena's eyes widened. She hadn't expected him to think of her like that. Her heart warmed a little more.
Linen waved off her gratitude like it was nothing. Meanwhile, he kept one eye on Hysteria, watching for any explosive reaction.
He saw it—the tiny tremble, the lowered head.
Got her.
Linen was inwardly ecstatic. It was a shame she didn't flip out right then and there like she had in the dorms. That would've been perfect.
Still, no big deal. This was laying excellent groundwork for future rejection.
Meanwhile, on the podium, Professor Gust—who had only pretended to be meditating—gave a small approving nod once again.
Subarashii. Truly elegant.
This student named Linen...
Years ago, Gust had been a different man. Back then, he was a zealot for Arcane truth, indifferent to anything that didn't serve his pursuit of knowledge.
Today, he still held Arcane study as sacred—but as a teacher, he'd come to value something else just as much: character.
He'd killed a student with his own hands before.
He didn't want to do that again.
Somewhere along the line, a rumor had spread among Mages: anyone who saw your [Weave Meditation] could decipher your spells, making you vulnerable.
That was nonsense.
Gust hadn't withheld his demonstration because he was afraid of being copied. He simply didn't want to overload students who didn't even qualify as apprentices.
This kind of selfish, shortsighted paranoia disgusted him.
Progress required sharing—collaboration, discussion, and pushing boundaries together. Those who hoarded their meager achievements and clutched them like treasures would never go far.
And yet... so many fledgling Arcane Mages bought into the lie.
Students like Linen—generous, unafraid, open—were rare.
Even if he disliked Ken as a person... for a student like Linen, Gust would have to make contact.
With a flick of his fingers, a pulse of mana shot off toward Ken.
"Keep a close eye on that student, Linen."
"Linen? You mean the one you deducted a credit from just now? He's..."
"Yes. That one."
"Understood. I'll also leave the matter we discussed in your hands, then."
"It's my duty."
Having confirmed the target, Gust ended the conversation without another word.
Elsewhere, Ken rubbed his temples in frustration, a dark look crossing his face.
"Always dragging trouble my way, Your Highness."
"Looks like I'll have to talk to him—personally."
---
As class neared its end, Gust still had one last duty to fulfill.
"Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please."
His voice, lightly charged with mana, once again swept across the classroom.
"Before we dismiss, I need to confirm your group assignments."
"Group assignments?" Linen blinked, confused.
"Eh? You didn't hear? But you looked so focused during the homeroom meeting," Elena asked, puzzled.
"I was meditating," Linen replied flatly.
As expected of Linen-kun...
Elena couldn't help but sigh in admiration again. Still, she took it upon herself to explain:
"As first-years at Eden Academy, we're required to form study groups of two to five members. Once a group is set, it stays that way for all four years—unless someone drops out, no changes are allowed."
Four years. Together.
Linen immediately locked onto the key detail.
With how much Hysteria despised him right now, there was no way she'd agree.
Wouldn't that make her outright reject him?
Wouldn't that be the perfect excuse for a public declaration like:
"You? A toad trying to eat swan meat?"
He'd been struggling to engineer a rejection. And now the opportunity was falling right into his lap?
How thoughtful.
Without hesitation, he turned and asked:
"Then, Elena-kun, would you like to form a study group with me?"
"Me?" Elena looked surprised, a little flustered—but quickly replied:
"Thank you, Linen-kun. But I've already promised to form a group with Hysteria."
"That's fine. Two people is a bit lonely. Three's just right."
Linen turned to Hysteria, who still hadn't looked up, and said with a teasing smile:
"Right, Hysteria-kun?"
"…Fine. For Elena's sake."
"Ah, too bad, I guess I'll—wait. What did you just say?"